Funny how life can turn on a twist, or in this instance a lie down. We had friends staying last week, from Sydney via Ireland. One day we took them to The Hermitage (Ossian’s Hall) near Dunkeld, where we stood on what in my childhood we called Rumbling Bridge, because of the sound of water-falling tumbling below, and wandered among the towering Douglas Fir trees. Which is when and where we found it. A seat, shaped and hollowed out in the shape of a pine cone, and inscribed with a quotation by David Douglas, after whom the tree is named.

Made for each and every one of us

We all lay on it one by one, and the sighs of content – the slow relaxed release of stress (Fred and Louise had been in Ireland for a memorial service, so very sad) – made us all hug one another and smile. When it came to my turn, my body fit like a glove and there I was, lying down, looking up. Up, up, up to where new Spring foliage was beginning to green into lime light. Suddenly all negativity fell away and I was my self again. Totally anchored and secure. My view is changed. Instead of looking down (as when I took the photograph of Winter Aconites among rocks and gravel for my first banner), now once again I am gazing upwards into the sky and the mysteries of beyond… Yes, finally, at long last, life is looking up.

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Change the way you look at things and the things you look at change.”

Michael Michalko is one of the most highly acclaimed creativity experts in the world and author of the best sellers Thinkertoys (A Handbook of Business Creativity), ThinkPak (A Brainstorming Card Deck),Cracking Creativity (The Secrets Of Creative Genius), and Creative Thinkering (Putting Your Imagination to Work).

SCHEDULE

DRAWING ON THE WRITER WITHIN

DOTWW is a revolutionary programme of creative writing - transformational work intended for anyone who wants to write, but thinks he or she can not, or does not know how to begin. It is equally for wordsmiths who are blocked and/or feel the need to authenticate their writing voice. Also those who want to explore their being and thinking on paper. Surprising, illuminating, fun, above all safe.

WRITING THE MIND ALIVEProprioceptive Writing (http://radix00.com/PWriting_Main/) - a form of meditational process writing that helps writers choose the right words and helps anyone seeking to sort out their reactions, beliefs and thinking on paper. You can practise at home and/or in the small group that usually meets on the first Saturday of every month Next date:: September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2, 2017 Where: Clunie Hall, midway between Dunkeld and Blairgowrie (www.cluniehall.co.uk/location)Time: 10am-middayCost: £15 for newcomers; thereafter £10

If you would like to work online, tell me what you want and need and I will work by skype or facetime to help you find the right words.